TU Berlin Scholarships 2026 in Germany provide a range of financial support options for international degree-seeking students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Technische Universität Berlin. These scholarships include government-backed training assistance (BAföG), emergency funds, merit-based awards like the DAAD Prize, and grants from political foundations such as the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Heinrich Böll Stiftung. With applications accepted throughout the year for some programs and specific deadlines for others, TU Berlin aims to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder academic success.
Technische Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s leading technical universities, is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Through a wide array of scholarship programs offered in cooperation with external funding bodies, the university supports students from all over the world. The International Degree-Seeking Students Team and the Career Service at TU Berlin serve as key contact points for many of these opportunities, helping students navigate the application process and secure the funding they need to focus on their studies and research.
TU Berlin Scholarships Benefits
- Complete or partial reimbursement for tuition
- Monthly living costs stipends
- Emergency financial assistance for struggling students
- Allowances for travel (for specific programs)
- Support for health insurance
- Assistance for parents and students with disabilities
- Financing for the final thesis and PhD research
TU Berlin Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
- All nationalities are welcome to enroll.
- Applicants must be enrolled in TU Berlin.
- Valid German residency status (for the majority of need-based aid)
- Regarding PhD programs: Demonstrated capacity for research and academic distinction
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé
- Valid Passport
- Proof of enrollment or admission at TU Berlin
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (for some programs)
- Proof of financial need or social status (if applicable)
Major Scholarship Program
- Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)
- Accepting overseas students who fulfill specific residency and employment requirements
- STIBET I Equal Opportunity Scholarships
- Assistance for students who are struggling with money, health, or caregiving
- Deutschlandstipendium
- Based on social responsibility and academic success
- Run by TU Berlin’s Career Service
- DAAD Scholarships
Provided to master’s and doctorate students prior to their arrival in Germany, but not to those who are currently there.
- Hilde Domin Programme (DAAD)
- For students who are in risk because of social or political circumstances in their home country
- TU Berlin offers cooperation and support for academics.
- DAAD Prize
- €1,000 prize for outstanding social and academic participation
- The yearly application deadline is often in May
- Emergency Fund – Diakonisches Werk
For students in crisis from Africa, Asia (except South Korea), Latin America
Scholarships from Political & Religious Foundations
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
Focus: Merit + social/political engagement
Supports first degrees and doctorates
Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Supports sustainability, democracy, and human rights
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
For doctoral students with political interest
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
For socially engaged, high-performing students
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
For liberal-minded students
Otto Benecke Stiftung
Finances refugees and asylum seekers under 30
Emphasizes language study and preparatory classes.
Doctoral Scholarships – Elsa Neumann (NaFöG)
Based on academic excellence
Duration: 2 years (extendable for final stages)
How to Apply for TU Berlin Scholarships
- Review the full list of scholarships on the TU Berlin website and identify the ones you are eligible for.
- Check the specific deadlines for each scholarship (e.g., April 30 / October 31 for Friedrich Naumann Stiftung; March 1 / September 1 for Heinrich Böll Stiftung).
- Prepare required documents: CV, motivation letter, proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, evidence of social commitment (if required).
- For BAföG: contact studierendenWERK BERLIN BAFöG Office at [email protected] or visit Behrenstr. 40/41, 10117 Berlin.
- For ESG Emergency Fund: email [email protected] or call (030) 391 051 34.
- For DAAD scholarships: apply through the German Embassy or Ministry of Education in your home country before departure.
- For DAAD Prize and STIBET I: submit applications once a year (usually May) to the International Degree-Seeking Students Team at TU Berlin.
- For Deutschlandstipendium: apply via the TU Berlin Career Service.
- For political foundations: send application directly to the respective foundation using their posted deadlines and contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about TU Berlin Scholarships 2026 in Germany. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the various funding options available to international degree-seeking students.
What types of scholarships are available for international students at TU Berlin?
TU Berlin offers a wide range of scholarships including BAföG training assistance, the ESG Emergency Fund, DAAD Prize, STIBET I equal opportunities scholarships, Deutschlandstipendium, and grants from political foundations like Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Each program targets different needs—from emergency aid to merit-based monthly stipends—to help international students finance their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies.
Who can apply for the BAföG training assistance?
International students may be eligible for BAföG if they were employed in Germany within the five years before starting training, have a parent who worked in Germany for at least three of the previous six years, hold permanent residence with a German parent or spouse, are EU/EEA citizens with related prior employment, or have been granted asylum or refugee status with protection against deportation.
How do I apply for the DAAD Prize at TU Berlin?
The DAAD Prize recognizes outstanding international students for academic excellence and social commitment, awarding 1,000 euros. Calls for proposals are issued once a year, typically in May. Applications must be submitted to the International Degree-Seeking Students Team at TU Berlin. Check the university’s scholarship page for the exact announcement date and required documents.
What is the STIBET I scholarship and who qualifies?
The STIBET I scholarship (Scholarships for Promoting Equal Opportunities) supports international students at TU Berlin who face significant financial and social challenges, such as refugee status, disabilities, chronic illnesses, or caring for children or relatives. Applications are accepted once a year, subject to funding availability, and are submitted to the International Degree-Seeking Students Team.
Are there scholarships for doctoral candidates?
Yes. The Elsa Neumann Scholarship (NaFöG) provides funding for doctoral candidates with exceptional academic records. Other options include the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for international graduates pursuing a doctorate, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung for doctoral studies, and the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung for undergraduate and doctoral students. Application deadlines and requirements vary.
Can I apply for DAAD scholarships while already in Germany?
Generally, no. DAAD scholarships for international students usually require application through the German Embassy or Ministry of Education in your home country before you begin your studies or doctoral program. Most DAAD programs do not accept applications from students already enrolled in Germany, so plan ahead and apply before traveling.
What support does the studierendenWERK BERLIN offer?
The studierendenWERK BERLIN provides social counselling on financing your studies, information on social service entitlements, advice for students with children or expecting children, one-time financial support in emergencies and for graduation, as well as conflict counselling. You can reach them at Hardenbergstr. 34, 10623 Berlin, or by phone at (030) 93939 8423 during office hours.
How can refugees get financial help for their studies?
Refugees granted asylum or quota refugee status under the age of 30 can apply to the Otto Benecke Stiftung for funding of preparatory study measures like language courses and preparatory courses. Additionally, the STIBET I scholarship and BAföG may be available depending on the individual’s residency and asylum status. Contact the foundation directly for application details.
What are the deadlines for political foundation scholarships?
Each foundation has its own deadline: Friedrich Naumann Stiftung accepts applications by April 30 and October 31; Konrad Adenauer Foundation by January 15 and July 15; Heinrich Böll Stiftung by March 1 and September 1; Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung by April 1 and October 1. Always check the specific foundation’s website for the latest deadline information.
Where can I get personal advice on scholarships at TU Berlin?
For visa and residence permit questions, contact [email protected] or visit room H 0051-55 during advising hours (Tue and Thu 9:30-12:30, plus Thu 13:30-16:30). For general scholarship inquiries, the International Degree-Seeking Students Team and the Career Service are the primary contacts at TU Berlin to help guide you through application processes.
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